Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Connecticut driver's license in person at a DMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands.
Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current Connecticut driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Connecticut does not require a vision test or written exam for most renewals — the DMV will use the vision screening from your last visit. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to take the written exam and vision test in person, which means an in-person visit is your only option.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you have not had a major change (name, address, medical condition) since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DMV branch is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or your license has been expired for more than five years.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to any DMV visit.
- Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV portal
Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. Visit the Connecticut DMV website and log into your account or create one using your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, address, and whether any medical conditions have changed since your last renewal.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have had a name change, or if you have any medical restrictions that need updating. The online system also will not let you proceed if you have outstanding tickets, fines, or child support obligations — you will need to resolve those before renewal.
Once you submit your online renewal, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes about 10 business days, and your new license should arrive within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during this time.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and nothing major has changed since your last renewal. read the mail renewal form from the Connecticut DMV website (form B-43 for standard renewal), print it, and mail it with your current license, proof of address, and the required fee to the DMV address listed on the form.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Turnaround is typically three to four weeks from the time they receive your envelope, though this can stretch during busy periods. Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives, so mail renewal works well if you have time before your expiration date.
Do not use mail renewal if your license is already expired, if you have had a name change, or if you need a new photo for any reason. The DMV will return your process if you do not meet the requirements, which delays your renewal by another week or more.
Renewing in person at a DMV branch
Visit a Connecticut DMV branch if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a name change. Bring your current license (or an expired one if you are past the expiration date), proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and any documents showing a name change.
The DMV branches operate by appointment in most locations. Visit the Connecticut DMV website, select your preferred branch, and book a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted at some branches during designated hours, but appointment holders are seen first, so booking ahead saves you time.
Your in-person visit includes a new photo and a vision screening. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within two to three weeks.
Fees and what happens if your license is expired
Connecticut charges a renewal fee based on how long your new license will be valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs $127 for a driver's license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $64 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license. These fees cover the license itself and do not include any additional charges for name changes or address updates.
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need to retake the written exam or vision test. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, Connecticut requires you to take both the written knowledge exam and a vision test, which means you must renew in person at a DMV branch.
If you are renewing a license that expired while you were out of state or out of the country, bring documentation of where you were during that time. The DMV may waive the five-year rule if you can show you were not a Connecticut resident when the license expired.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal arrives
If your current license is lost or stolen before your renewed license arrives, visit a DMV branch in person and request a duplicate. Bring proof of your identity and address. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license on the spot and mail you a replacement card within two to three weeks. You will pay a duplicate fee, which is separate from your renewal fee.
If your renewed license arrives while you are waiting for a duplicate, you do not need the duplicate — just use the new license. If you paid for both, contact the DMV to see if they can refund the duplicate fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date. This means early renewal does not extend the life of your license.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting a branch. If you are renewing in person, tell the DMV staff about the address change and bring proof of your new address. The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license at no extra charge.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. Connecticut allows you to keep the same photo for two consecutive renewals (16 years total) unless you request a new one or the DMV requires it due to a significant change in appearance. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV branch.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
During renewal, the DMV asks whether any medical conditions have changed. If you have a new condition that affects your ability to drive safely, report it to the DMV. Depending on the condition, you may receive restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only) or be asked to take a road test. In-person renewal is required if your medical status has changed.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online and mail renewals take about 10 business days to process, then two to three weeks to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is fastest — you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days.